Minister says allegations against acting police chief Farhad not proven
Farhad has faced allegations that he used his position in matters involving his son.
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Home Minister Ali Ihusan said on Thursday that allegations against Deputy Commissioner of Police Farhad Fikri relating to abuse of office and destruction of evidence have not been proven.
The matter was raised during a press conference at the President's Office. Farhad has been assigned to oversee the Maldives Police Service following the retirement of former Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen last month.
Responding to questions from journalists on why Farhad was given the role despite allegations, Ihusan said procedures for handling accusations are defined in law and that the matter had previously been reviewed by state institutions.
“The allegations against Farhad have been investigated before. None of the institutions has determined that action should be taken to remove him from his position or withhold his promotion,” the minister said.
He said cases reviewed by relevant authorities had not resulted in findings against Farhad.
According to Ihusan, the government will examine allegations made against any individual and take action where required.
“If action is required it will be taken. If it is not required, action cannot be taken unfairly,” he said.
Farhad has faced allegations that he used his position in matters involving his son. The claims were outlined in a letter submitted to the parliamentary security services committee.
The letter refers to two cases involving Farhad’s son.
The first case relates to an incident in which the son was accused of riding a bicycle at high speed while under the influence of alcohol in Hulhumalé.
The second case involves allegations of rape and sexual assault against him.
According to the letter, Farhad contacted the head of the traffic police in Hulhumalé regarding the removal of his son’s bicycle from a police tow yard. The letter claims he later asked whether his son was being treated like an ordinary individual.
It also states that Farhad asked whether officers from the police technology department would release the bicycle. According to the allegations, two officers from the department later contacted the tow yard and the bicycle was removed before the required 15-day holding period.
Police later submitted the case to the Prosecutor General's Office for prosecution.
However, the prosecutor’s office reportedly informed police that evidence required for prosecution had been destroyed and referred to Farhad’s alleged involvement in that matter.
The Home Minister said the allegations would be reviewed in accordance with legal procedures.
